This blog is designed to document infants/toddlers with disabilities using an iPad to promote their development. I hope to show how this new technology can help children with disabilities develop their communication, play, pre-literacy, cognitive, visual/auditory and motor skills.

Friday, July 30, 2010

C just turned two and has ALWAYS loved toys even as an infant. C has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder. I was a little surprised at his reaction to the iPad since he loves the cause/effect type play with other toys. I did not direct C or the other kids in how to play with the iPad for their first introduction but as you can see I am so glad I got the waterproof cover since C loves to kiss the puppy. I think the iPad was too easy and got boring too quick for C. If you watch the next video which was taken just prior to his first intro to the iPad, C is ready for more pretend play than the iPad offered his first go around. We will try again soon making it a bit more challenging next time.

My video skills are for the birds so sorry. I is finding animal pictures on the iPad and signing the animals as they made the sounds. He just turned 2 and has Prader Willi Syndrome. His language is delayed and he only says a few words and uses a few signs.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

L is 2 years old and a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome. He has difficulty using his left side and has CVI. Our goal introducing L to the iPad was to get him to use his left side more. I guess he showed us.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

S using the iPad for the first time. He is the youngest child I have tried it with. It is very difficult to find toys for S due to the tightness in his arms limiting his arm and hand movement. He figures it out though and I think he is proud of himself. (S is 14 months old with holoprosencephaly) Free app Peek a Boo Barn

Sunday, July 25, 2010

I have listed several grant agencies on the Facebook page that may??? pay all or part of an iPad. I sold items on ebay that I no longer needed to fund mine. The cheapest version is $499 with free shipping. I have spent about $30 on apps and I have about 150 now. I only see a few more I want that I am saving for. Some possible fund raising ideas to get your child an IPad other than grants...add a donation box to your blog with your paypal account, ask for itunes cards for birthdays and holidays, if you know some local businesses set out donation boxes/jars, etc. Anyone else have any ideas for funding or fund raisers?Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

There are air bubbles that do not completely go away but for using at a table with food present, using outside, or with our babies that drool it is a great way to protect your investment. Also comes with an attached cord that could be tied to a tray or desk so if the iPad is accidentally knocked off it would not hit the floor. Screen is completely accessible through the cover. Amazon.com for $19.99.
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Another positive so far using the iPad for home visiting has been I don't have to carry around so much stuff. In the picture I am using the iPad as a light box for a child with CVI. I have also used it as a flashlight, portable DVD player, switch toy, tape recorder, Big Mac, puzzle, story book and matching game. This is only the first week. I can already feel my toy bag getting lighter.
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Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A is 2 years old. He has an unknown genetic condition resulting in hypotonia, seizure disorder and CVI. He has never been able to hold a crayon or marker to draw but today he used his hand to make a picture. With the Glow Doodle app (free) you can immediately save and email your picture. Since his mother is away from home for military training, A emailed his picture to her all from the iPad. (using initials instead of the name of the children)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

I tried the iPad today with my first toddler. He was a 34 month old with a significant speech and cognitive delay. Due to custody issues I was unable to video tape. He has an expressive vocabulary of about 20 words of only labels like cup, bed, sock, etc. He has a limited attention span. He has played with an iPhone before so he was familiar with how to navigate the touch screen. At first he just wanted to push everything and not attend to any app. I had planned on working with the free ABA Action words and Emotions apps but we know what happens to the best of plans. He had other ideas. We both settled on a story app called Little Bella's I Close My Eyes. This tells an interactive story of a little girl dreaming. This child was amazed. He has never attended to a story with me before. He listened and repeated many of the action words. I tried to encourage him to act out the bouncing, sleeping, eating, etc. to which he responded to the first two word sentence I have ever heard him speak 'NO Bounce'. During the story he became so animated and vocal saying at least 5 new words including the pronoun 'her'. He attended and played the story three times.

The child pictured is about 19 months old and has spina bifida. He has no cognitive or fine motor delays so I had not planned on using the iPad with him. He has recently started crawling so during my visit he kept trying to crawl away from the material I had been working with. His mom said "You might have to bring out the big guns to keep his attention". So out came the iPad hoping maybe he would hold still long enough to play. He was happy to push a button or two. Tapping a musical instrument on the app Babysitter he moved his body to the music a few times then he was done and unimpressed. That was the exact reaction I wanted from a child that can explore the world on their own and does not need a toy like the iPad to play or communicate. I am very pleased with my first day. (All apps mentioned are free)
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Monday, July 19, 2010

My iPad came by FedEx today. My sister signed for it and now I am syncing it. I plan on developing a consent for so parents will let me take pictures and video tape their children. Hopefully I can start as soon as tomorrow. Wish me luck. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Sunday, July 18, 2010

My iPad is in Memphis, TN this morning and on its way. Hopefully I will have it Tuesday. YEAH. In the mean time I am reviewing some apps and have downloaded a few to have ready. I already have an iTouch so I have been using a few on there. These are all free

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

My iPad is being shipped. It is leaving Taiwan right now. I have already been downloading apps this evening. There are not as many free apps designed for the iPad as I have on the iTouch but some of those apps will work on the iPad too. A few more days......

I am still waiting for my iPad to come in. I ordered it last Monday after selling several things on ebay to finance my iPad. When ordering from Apple.com I was give a 7 to 10 day free shipping option and several friends told me it took about 5 days to get theirs. WELL on my order status it now says it won't be delivered until July 24 and someone has to be home to sign for it. So that means I may never get it. I would have traveled to 2.5 hours to Columbus to the nearest Apple store if I had known it would have taken this long but I keep reading that the stores are sold out. So I will keep posting links, pictures and videos of children using iPads and reviews of some of the apps.

Pinterest

App Finder

Babies with iPads Grants

I am exploring several options for raising funds so that Babies with iPads may be able to grant iPads to children with significant developmental and/or medical issues to promote their development especially play and language.

My Goal for this year is to fund at least 3 to 4 iPads, accessories and iTunes cards. I am also researching non-profit status in order to accept tax deductible donations.

You can help by offering small donations through the ChipIn Link, clicking on the Google Ads on this page and buying your apps through this page links which will take you directly to the iTunes store. If you do not see the link to the app you are interested in then click on the iTunes box below and it will take you to your iTunes page for a search.

A team of parents of children with special needs and therapists to choose from the applications since I am not going to be able to fund every applicant this year

The grant application is currently on hold due to lack of funds. Hoping to have enough funds by the end of March.

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About Me

I am a developmental/vision specialist for WV Birth to Three. I have been working with babies/toddlers with special needs since 1988. I have been very blessed to meet 100s of families along the way. Anyone is welcome to email me at Bab006@aol.com with any questions, comments or concerns.